Illnesses and conditions

Scientists in China have found a new potential drug target for weight loss. Blocking a protein called CD44 has been shown to protect against obesity in mice on a high-fat diet, specifically by suppressing the formation of white fat cells.

Human protection against bird flu may be easier than previously thought, thanks to new findings about the genetic makeup of the virus and one particular immune cell that all of us have. It also paves the way for fast-tracking the first H5N1 vaccine.

Transplanting insulin-producing cells along with engineered blood-vessel-forming cells has successfully reversed type 1 diabetes in a new preclinical study. With further testing, the novel approach could one day cure the as-yet incurable condition.

An antioxidant found in broccoli sprouts in high concentrations can improve blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes, the precursor to type 2 diabetes, according to new research. The findings suggest a personalized treatment approach is needed.

Scientists at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) have developed a new blood test for pancreatic cancer, one of the most deadly forms of the disease. Tests showed up to 85% accuracy in detection, even in early stages.

Type 1 diabetics have a lower risk of stroke and heart attack than type 2 diabetics, a new study has found. It highlights the fundamental difference between the two conditions and provides insights that could guide future treatment.

Spinal muscular atrophy is a debilitating genetic condition that’s usually fatal by a few years of age. But an intriguing case study might demonstrate a simple new treatment, with a child showing no signs at all two and a half years after birth.

If you're thinking of getting an injection for back pain, you might want to think again. A panel of experts has examined the practice, found serious issues with its use – including financial gain – and issued strong recommendations to avoid it.

Researchers have discovered a particular type of cancer cell that relies on its own biological electric utility company to thrive. Disrupting this power plant – with the help of a puffer fish – showed a breakthrough way to fight the tumors.

A new study has confirmed that weight loss or bariatric surgery is safe and very effective, and, for a large percentage of people who were diabetic before the surgery, meant that they didn’t require diabetes medication five years after.

There's a growing body of evidence that gold nanoparticles can trigger significant weight loss that targets fat, without affecting muscles, plus heal organs and improve blood-glucose levels. A new study makes a strong case for the first-ever human trial.

One of cancer’s deadliest tricks is its ability to spread to other organs. An existing cardiac drug has now been found to reduce the risk of metastasis by dissolving circulating clusters of breast cancer cells in patients.

Scientists remain puzzled as to why some people taking popular weight loss and diabetes medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are losing their vision suddenly, highlighting that there's still so much we don't know about this life-changing class of drugs.

We've almost all been hit with a horror stomach bug. At best, it's a 24-hour nightmare, and at worst it's deadly. But huge strides are being taken towards the first Salmonella and norovirus vaccines, which could make severe illness a distant memory.

Scientists have uncovered a mechanism for reinvigorating the immune system to stop it from flagging when it’s fighting long-term conditions like chronic infections and cancer. It could make treatments more effective and improve clinical outcomes.